Liquid flow control for use in dishwashers and the like



y 1968 J. F. CLEARMAN ET AL 3,382,891

LIQUID FLOW CONTROL FOR USE IN DISHWASHERS AND THE LIKE Filed June 22, 1965 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 A TTOR/VEYS y 1968 J. F. CLEARMAN E L 3,382,891

LIQUID FLOW CONTROL FOR USE IN DISHWASHERS AND THE LIKE 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed June 22, 1965 United States Patent 3,382,891 LIQUID FLOW CONTRGL FOR USE IN DISHWASHERS AND THE LIKE Jack F. Clearman, White Bear Lake, Walter C. Barnard, St. Paul, and Ival G. Dutcher, White Bear Lake, Minn, assiguors to Whirlpool Corporation, a corporation of Delaware Filed June 22, 1965, Ser. No. 465,970 6 Claims. (Cl. 137-563) ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLQSURE A washer having a washing chamber, a pump and a fluid valve having an inlet and a pair of outlets with a solenoid-operated deflector for selectively pivoting the deflector between the inlet and one of the outlets leading to a discharge duct for preventing fluid flow from the inlet to that outlet. When the deflector is so positioned between the inlet and first outlet, fluid flowing from the inlet is directed to the second outlet leading to the washing chamber and not to the discharge duct, and when the deflector is positioned away from the first outlet, the fluid is directed to the first outlet to be passed through the discharge duct.

This invention relates to liquid fiow control means and in particular to liquid flow control means for use in dishwashers and the like.

In one conventional form of dishwasher, a reversible electric motor is provided for operating a recirculation pump when the motor is driving in one direction of rotation and operating a drain pump when the motor is driving in the opposite direction of rotation. As such reversible motors are relatively costly, it is desirable to substitute therefor a unidirectional motor while yet providing the highly desirable selective recirculation and drain operation.

In certain other conventional washer apparatus, valve means have been employed for selectively directing the liquid flow in two or more paths wherein one path may comprise a recirculation path and the other path may comprise a drain path. The valve means, howver, provided for such liquid flow control have been relatively costly and have had the serious disadvantage of permitting undesirable reverse siphoning action when arranged for conducting the liquid in the drain path. The present inven tion comprehends an improved liquid flow control apparatus eliminating the above discussed disadvantages of the known apparatuses in a novel and simple manner.

A principal feature, therefore, of the present invention is the provision of a new and improved liquid flow control means.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of such liquid flow control means providing for selective recirculation of washing liquid to the washing chamber, or delivery of the washing liquid to a drain, as desired, and having means for effectively precluding reverse siphoning of the liquid through the drain passage.

Another feature of the invention is the provision of such liquid flow control means including recirculating and drain pump means and unidirectional drive means for concurrently driving each of the pump means, means defining a drain pass-age having an inlet end and an outlet end, means defining a transfer passage having an outlet end spaced adjacent the inlet end of the drain passage and an inlet end communicating with the drain pump means for receiving liquid therefrom for delivery through the transfer passage and outwardly from the outlet end into the inlet end of the drain passage and thence through the drain passage for delivery from the outlet end thereof,

means providing communication at all times between the outlet end of the transfer passage, the inlet end of the drain passage and the washing chamber, and means for selectively diverting liquid delivered from the outlet end of the transfer passage to the washing chamber through the communication means.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of such liquid flow control means wherein the liquid diverting means comprises a deflector and means for selectively positioning the deflector between the outlet end of the transfer passage and the inlet end of the drain passage.

A yet further feature of the invention is the provision of such liquid flow control means including an enclosure surrounding the space between the outlet end of the transfer passage and the inlet end of the drain passage.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of such liquid flow control means wherein the opening to the washing chamber is substantially larger than the opening to the inlet end of the drain passage.

Still another feature of the invention is the provision of such liquid control means wherein the means for diverting the the liquid comprises a deflector arranged to divert the liquid into two paths.

A yet further feature of the invention is the provision of such a liquid control means wherein the outlet end of the transfer passage comprises a jet nozzle.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of such a liquid control means wherein the inlet end of the drain passage comprises a venturi.

Other features and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing wherein:

FIGURE 1 is a fragmentary side elevation of a washer, having portions broken away to facilitate illustration thereof, the washer being provided with a liquid flow control means embodying the invention;

FIGURE 2 is a fragmentary enlarged view looking toward the liquid flow control means from within the washing chamber as illustrated by the arrows 22 in FIGURE 1, portions of the structure being broken away to facilitate illustration thereof;

FIGURE 3 is a vertical section taken substantially along the line 3-3 of FIGURE 2; and

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary perspective view of the flow passage ends and the interposed deflector.

In the exemplary embodiment of the invention disclosed in the drawing, a washer generally designated 10 is shown to comprise a dishwasher having a tub portion 11 defining a washing space 12 adapted for holding dishes and the like (not shown) for automatic washing thereof as by directing washing liquid thereagainst. A conventional spray arm 13 is disposed in the lower portion of the space 12 for throwing the washing liquid forcibly upwardly through the chamber 12 in carrying out the washing operation. The bottom wall 14 of the tub 11 defines a sump space 15 wherein the washing liquid 16 is collected after falling downwardly from the washing chamber 12 during the washing operation. An electric motor 17 is mounted on the botom wall 14 and concurrently drives a shaft 18 which in turn rotates recirculation pump 19 and drain pump 20.

Communicating with the lower end of sump space 15 is a transfer conduit 21 defining a transfer passage 22 having an inlet end 23 communicating with sump space 15 and an outlet end 24. Further provided is a drain conduit 25 defining a drain passage 26 having an inlet end 27 spaced adjacent outlet end 24 of the transfer passage 22, and having an outlet end 28. Otulet end 24, as shown in FIGURE 3, is tapered so as to effectively define a jet nozzle, and inlet end 27 of the drain conduit passage 26 is arranged to define a venturi having an axially outwardly widening outer portion 27a and an axially inwardly widening inner portion 27b. When motor 17 is operated to drive the recirculating pump 19, it further drives the drain pump 2i As the nozzle end 24 of the transfer conduit passage is aligned axially with the inlet end 27 of the drain passage, such concurrent operation of the drain pump would ordinarily cause the washing liquid 16 to be delivered into the drain passage and thence outwardly through the outer end 28 To preclude this, means are provided intermediate the outlet end 24 of the transfer passage and the inlet end 27 of the drain passage for diverting the liquid away from the inlet end 27 and back into washing chamber 12.

More specifically, the diverting means comprises a liquid flow control generally designated 29 including an enclosure defining a space 31 surrounding the outlet end 24 of the transfer passage and the inlet end 27 of the drain passage. The enclosure is provided with an outturned flange 30a. secured to the tub 11 by suitable means such as screws 32. A sealing gasket 33 may be provided between the flange 30a and the tub wall 11 for sealing the joint therebetween. The tub wall is further provided with an opening 34 generally congruent with space 31 and providing free communication between the space 31 and the washing chamber 12.

The flow of liquid delivered upwardly from passage end 24 is controlled in space 31 by means of a deflector 35. As shown in FIGURE 4, the deflector includes a rear wall 36 and a pair of spaced forwardly extending side flanges 37. The flanges 37 are diametrically opposed at the passage outer end 24 and are pivotally mounted on the end of conduit 21 by a pair of coaxial hinge pins 38, having outer ends 39 received in suitable recesses 40 of the enclosure 30, as shown in FIGURE 2. A V-block 41 is provided on rear wall 36 to extend forwardly therefrom and generally parallel to the flat plane of the flanges 37. The block 41 defines a pair of slightly curved deflecting surfaces 42 joining each other at a lower tip portion 43 of the block.

The deflector 35 is swung about the axis of hinge pins 38 by a suitable electric solenoid 44 carried on the exterior of enclosure 30 and having an armature 45 provided with an actuating rod 46 extending through a suitable opening 47 in the enclosure. At its distal end, the rod 46 is bifurcated to define a pair of connecting portions 48 straddling the deflector wall 36 and having inturned ends 49 received in suitable openings 50 to provide a pivotal connection therebetween. The solenoid includes a conventional coil 51 which when energized moves armature 45 inwardly, or to the right as seen in FIGURE 3, to pivot the deflector 35 away from the position of FIG- URE 3, in a clockwise direction, so as to remove block 41 from its interposed position between the outlet end 24 of the transfer passage 22 and the inlet end 27 of the drain passage 26, thereby to permit the delivery of the liquid from conduit 21 outwardly through the drain conduit 25.

Thus, in use, when recirculation of the washing liquid by the recirculation pump 19 is desired, solenoid 44 is permitted to remain de-energized thereby permitting the deflector 35 to remain disposed in the position of FIG- URE 3. Thus, washing liquid, delivered upwardly through transfer passage 22 as a result of the operation of the drain pump 20 concurrently with the operation of the recirculation pump 19, is prevented from passing outwardly through the drain passage 26 by the deflection thereof resulting from the impingement of the liquid against the V-block 41 of deflector 35. The liquid is deflected by the V-block against the side walls of the enclosure 30 in two streams and, thus, turbulently flows through the large opening 34 of tub 11 back into the washing chamber 12. However, when it is desired to drain the washing liquid from tub 11, coil 51 of solenoid 4% is energized. Deflector 35 is thusly pivoted to remove the block 41 from between the conduit ends 24 and 27. The washing liquid then flows in a jet stream unimpededly from transfer passage end 24 directly upwardly into drain passage end 27 and through the drain passage 26 to the outlet 28.

As drain passage end 27 is open to atmosphere at all times, reverse siphoning of liquid through the drain passage 26 is effectively precluded. Thus, the liquid flow control provides a highly desirable vacuum breaker functioning as a concomitant of the improved liquid flow control functioning provided thereby.

The liquid flow control is extremely simple and economical of construction While yet providing the highly desirable advantages discussed above. The deflector 35 may be economically and simply constructed as of molded plastic. The liquid flow control permits the use of the conventional recirculation and drain pumps, while yet providing the highly desirable liquid flow control with a relatively low cost unidirectional motor concurrently driving the recirculation and drain pumps.

While we have shown and described one embodiment of our invention, it is to be understood that it is capable of many modifications. Changes, therefore, in the construction and arrangement may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.

The embodiment of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed is defined as follows:

1. In a washer having means defining a washing chamber and means for pumping liquid from said chamber, apparatus for controlling the flow of the pumped liquid comprising:

means defining a drain passage having an inlet end and an outlet end;

means defining a transfer passage having an outlet end spaced adjacent said inlet end of the drain passage and an inlet end communicating with said pumping means for receiving liquid therefrom for delivery through said transfer passage and outwardly from said outlet end into said inlet end of said drain passage and thence through said drain passage for delivery from said outlet end thereof;

means providing communication at all times between said outlet end of the transfer passage, the inlet end of the drain passage, and the washing chamber whereby the inlet end of the drain passage is open to atmosphere; and

means for selectively diverting liquid delivered from said outlet end of the transfer passage to said washing chamber through said communication means while maintaining said inlet end open to atmosphere.

2. In a washer having means defining a washing chamber and means for pumping liquid from said chamber, apparatus for controlling the flow of the pumped liquid comprising:

means defining a drain passage having an inlet end and an outlet end;

means defining a transfer passage having an outlet end spaced adjacent said inlet end of the drain passage and an inlet end communicating with said pumping means for receiving liquid therefrom for delivery through said transfer passage and outwardly from said outlet end into said inlet end of said drain passage and thence through said drain passage for delivery from said outlet end thereof;

means providing communication at all times between said outlet end of the transfer passage, the inlet end of the drain passage, and the washing chamber; and means for selectively diverting liquid delivered from said outlet end of the transfer passage to said washing chamber through said communication means, said outlet end of the transfer passage and the inlet end of the drain passage being coaxially aligned and said diverting means comprising a deflector and means for selectively disposing said deflector between said aligned ends, said deflector having a pair of opposed guide surfaces arranged to divide the flow of liquid from said outlet end of the transfer passage into two flows.

3. In a washer having means defining a washing chamber and means for pumping liquid from said chamber, apparatus for controlling the flow of the pumped liquid comprising:

means defining a drain passage having an inlet end and an outlet end;

means defining a transfer passage having an outlet end coaxially spaced adjacent said inlet end of the drain passage and an inlet end communicating with said pumping means for receiving liquid therefrom for delivery through said transfer passage and outwardly from said outlet end into said inlet end of said drain passage and thence through said drain passage for delivery from said outlet end thereof;

means defining a space communicating at all times between said outlet end of the transfer passage, the inlet end of the drain passage, and the Washing chamber; and

means in said space for selectively diverting liquid delivered from said outlet end of the transfer passage to said Washing chamber through said communication means, said space defining means including means defining an opening through said means defining a washing chamber, said opening having a cross sectional area substantially greater than that of said inlet end of the drain passage.

4. In a washer having means defining a washing chamher and means for pumping liquid from said chamber, apparatus for controlling the flow of the pumped liquid comprising:

means defining a drain passage having an inlet end and an outlet end;

means defining a transfer passage having an outlet end coaxially spaced adjacent said inlet end of the drain passage and an inlet end communicating with said pumping means for receiving liquid therefrom for delivery through said transfer passage and outwardly from said outlet end into said inlet end of said drain passage and thence through said drain passage for delivery from said outlet end thereof;

means defining a space communicating at all times between said outlet end of the transfer passage, the inlet end of the drain passage, and thewashing chamber; and

means in said space for selectively diverting liquid delivered from said outlet end of the transfer passage to said washing chamber through said communication means, said diverting means being arranged to direct the diverted liquid against said space defining means in a plurality of streams.

5. In a washer having means defining a washing cham- 50 her and means for pumping liquid from said chamber, ap-

paratus for controlling the flow of the pumped liquid comprising:

means defining a drain passage having an inlet end forming a venturi, and an outlet end;

means defining a transfer passage having an outlet end forming a jet nozzle coaxially spaced subjacent said inlet end of the drain passage and an inlet end com- .municating with said pump means for receiving liquid therefrom for delivery through said transfer passage to jet outwardly from said outlet end into said venturi inlet end of said drain passage and thence through said drain passage for delivery from said outlet end thereof; means providing communication at all times between said outlet end of the transfer passage, the inlet end of the drain passage, and the Washing chamber; and

means for selectively diverting liquid delivered from said outlet end of the transfer passage to said washing chamber through said communication means.

6. In a Washer having means defining a washing chamber and means for pumping liquid from said chamber, apparatus for controlling the flow of the pumped liquid comprising:

means defining a drain passage having an inlet end and an outlet end; means defining a transfer passage having an outlet end spaced adjacent said inlet end of the drain passage and an inlet end communicating with said pumping means for receiving liquid therefrom for delivery through said transfer passage and outwardly from said outlet end into said inlet end of said drain passage and thence through said drain passage for delivery from said outlet end thereof; means providing communication at all times between said outlet end of the transfer passage, the inlet end of the drain passage, and the washing chamber; and

means for selectively diverting liquid delivered from said outlet end of the transfer passage to said Washing chamber through said communication means, said diverting means comprising a pair of deflectors symmetrically disposed relative to the axis of said outlet end of the transfer passage whereby liquid pumped outwardly from said transfer passage outlet end urges said diverting means into a centered disposition relative to said transfer passage outlet end.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,182,378 12/1939 Gunn 137612 2,342,995 2/1944 Ballentine l34l86 2,764,169 9/1956 Bazarnic 134-186 3,294,102 12/1966 Ruspino 134-186 M. CARY NELSON, Primary Examiner.

W. R. CLINE, Assistant Examiner. 

